Mr Eric Edem Agbana, Member of Parliament of Ketu North, has stated that it would not be prudent for the government to use public funds to sponsor football fans to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to him, while he anticipated criticism for his stance, leadership requires the courage to prioritise national interest over sentiment and popularity.
“In my opinion, it is not prudent for the government to use public funds to send fans to the 2026 World Cup. I knew this position would attract criticism and even insults, but leadership demands that we place national interest above emotion,” he said.
Mr Agbana explained that his position was informed by a careful assessment of the potential cost to the state.
He noted that it would cost at least 9,000 dollars per fan to cover expenses for the group stage matches alone.
He illustrated that if, for instance, ten supporters from his constituency were sponsored, the government would spend about 90,000 dollars, an amount he said could instead be used to construct a modest but modern sports complex that would benefit thousands of young people in the constituency for many years.
The MP clarified that he was not opposed to Ghanaian supporters travelling to cheer the national team at the tournament.
He said individuals or groups who can fund their own trips could be encouraged and supported through the necessary processes.
Mr Agbana added that he would also support any initiative where the government collaborates with the private sector to mobilise resources to sponsor fans.
“Public-private collaboration for national pride is always welcome,” he said.
Despite the criticism his position has generated, the MP said he had also received support from many Ghanaians who believe the state must exercise caution in the use of limited public resources.
“Patriotism is not always about cheering the loudest. Sometimes it is about making difficult decisions that protect the national purse,” he stated.
He argued that if the government were to spend millions of dollars on sponsoring fans, the opportunity would likely benefit only a small number of individuals.
“The real question is whether scarce public resources should be used to sponsor a few people to watch football abroad, or whether those resources should be invested in facilities and opportunities that will benefit generations of Ghanaians,” he said.
Mr Agbana stressed that in his view, national development must always take precedence over national spectacle, adding that while people may disagree with his position, he remained convinced that prudent management of public funds must guide government decisions.
GNA
